We have all heard the phrase, “We are never given more than we can handle.” I have always applied that to difficult situations and tough times, but I recently heard the idea that it’s also true for our talents, our potential, and thus, our destinies.

In Nelson Mandela’s famous inaugural speech, he quoted Marianne Williamson by saying, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

The biggest part we will ever be called to play on the stage of life is ourselves! We must not be afraid to trust and follow the mysterious greatness inside us, no matter how unknown, unpredictable or scary it may seem. Change will happen at a speed we can handle. Me being all of ME, you being all of YOU, inherently came with the equipping we would each need to be that person in full. Being all that we are meant to become, letting all of ourselves float to the surface for the world to see is never a mistake. It’s who we were born to be and it’s our role in the symphony of life. No one else can do it for us. Let’s each play our part loud and proud so we can all be blessed by every individual’s contribution to the music we were born to create together. As we contribute to the whole, the essence of each one of us is also fully realized and fulfilled. While this doesn’t happen overnight, we can all take a step in the right direction today by being honest, and asking ourselves if we are thriving or merely hiding out in the roles we’ve taken on. I know I have hidden a lot in my life, but I’m taking small steps to correct that and I hope you will join me.